ASAP
Policy Week in Review – May 15, 2026
At a Glance
The Policy Week in Review, prepared by Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute (WPI), sets forth WPI’s updates on federal legislation, regulations, and congressional activity affecting the workplace.
DOL Rescinds Biden-Era Overtime Rule
On May 14, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) issued a technical amendment designed to unwind the Biden-era regulation and restore the 2019 Trump-era regulation establishing the salary level needed to qualify for the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) “white collar” overtime exemptions. For further Littler analysis, read here. It is unclear if the DOL will revisit the 2019 rule and pursue a new rulemaking.
Discharge Petition on “Faster Labor Contracts Act” Closer to 218-Signature Threshold
As previously reported, the Discharge Petition (H.Res. 1140) filed by Representative Donald Norcross (D-NJ) to bypass committee consideration and force a House floor vote on union-backed H.R. 5408, the “Faster Labor Contracts Act” (imposing binding interest arbitration), continues to gather signatures. As of this writing, 214 House members have signed on, including Republican members Michael Lawler (R-NY), Max Miller (R-OH), Robert Bresnahan (R-PA), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). A total of 218 signatures is required, which means only 4 more signatures are needed. The business community, including WPI, is actively opposing the legislation in the House and Senate.
House Subcommittee Hearing Examines Workplace Safety
On May 13, the House Subcommittee on Workforce Protections Chair Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) held a hearing titled, “Building a Safer Future: Private-Sector Strategies for Emerging Safety Issues,” to examine workplace safety. Chair Mackenzie highlighted the importance of updating safety policies as workplaces change and adopt new technologies.
